New York governor plans to lead trade mission to Cuba

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will announce in his state-of-the state address Wednesday that he will lead a trade mission to Cuba in the next few months.

The Wall Street Journal reports Cuomo has plans for a series of five trade missions to the country for his second term in office. The trip would be one of the first by a high-profile U.S. politician since the Obama administration loosened its travel policy for the country.

President Obama announced in December that the U.S. embargo on Cuba would be eased and diplomatic relations would be normalized between the two countries. The group headed by Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont said in a statement that the lawmakers want to explore opportunities for greater cooperation and to encourage Cuban officials to address issues of concern to Americans and other congressional members.

A NYC POOCH stand to inherit a 6-figure trust fund, $1 million house from well off owner

A Queens woman adores her 3-year-old purebred Maltese so much that she changed her will to include the dog — who is set to rake in an inheritance of jewelry, a six-figure trust fund and a million-dollar house in Florida. The 60-year-old accountant from Little Neck describes her white-haired “gift from God” as a full-fledged diva who fancies filet mignon and dons extravagant outfits — which include a Cinderella princess dress, an over-the-top peacock gown and diamond-studded tiaras.